Russian President Vladimir Putin voiced ‘full support’ for India on Monday amid escalating tensions with Pakistan and the looming threat of a military clash. He also accepted an invitation to visit the country later this year during a telephonic conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Both leaders also reiterated their commitment to deeping India-Russia ties during the interaction.
Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the Russian leader had called Modi on Monday and “strongly condemned the terror attack in Pahalgam”.
“He conveyed deepest condolences on the loss of innocent lives and expressed full support to India in the fight against terrorism. He emphasised that the perpetrators of the heinous attack and their supporters must be brought to justice,” Jaiswal added.
Earlier on May 3, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation S V Lavrov in a telephonic conversation with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar discussed the terrorist attack near Pahalgam.Lavrov in his call with Jaishankar called for the settlement of disagreements between Delhi and Islamabad. Lavrov called for settlements by political and diplomatic means on a bilateral basis.
The Indian PM had also conveyed his greetings on the 80th anniversary of Victory Day and invited Putin to attend a Summit in India later this year during the interaction on Monday.
“The Indian leader confirmed his invitation to the Russian president to visit India for an annual bilateral summit. The invitation was gratefully accepted,” the Kremlin added in a statement.